Chris Hansen Slams Robert Pattinson's 'Bizarre' Portrayal in 'Primetime'
The journalist expressed strong disapproval of his character's depiction in the film.
Journalist Chris Hansen has voiced his sharp criticism of Robert Pattinson's performance in the film "Primetime," describing the portrayal as "bizarre" and detached from reality.
Hansen shared his unfiltered review on his podcast, "Have A Seat With Chris Hansen," stating that Pattinson's depiction of him was "so detached from reality or anything I’ve experienced then or now doing the investigation." He added, "I’m not sure what the point of it was."
The former "To Catch a Predator" host, known for his work catching alleged pedophiles between 2004 and 2007, found Pattinson's version of himself to be "so detached, so unhinged, so dark, so unlikeable." He mentioned that the film's depiction had also unsettled his former colleagues.
Hansen also directed criticism towards the film's director, Lance Oppenheim, suggesting that Oppenheim had a "dark image" of his intentions and aimed to create a "horror-like film" without considering any positive aspects of Hansen's work over the past 22 years.
"I mean, it’s upset my colleagues, current and former," Hansen, 67, explained. "He wanted to create a horror-like film with interesting photography and didn’t want to hear anything else."
Hansen believes Hollywood is attempting to "demonize" him and frame him as a "bad guy" for his investigative work. "You have to question the motives of not coming forward and talking to me or anybody who I worked closely with over the years," he asserted. "And they didn’t want to hear that Chris Hansen is a good guy. They didn’t want to hear that this work is important. In a way, it’s a hit piece on me and the series, which is weird."
Earlier, Hansen had expressed reservations about Pattinson's casting, noting on the "Serialously" podcast that he did not get to choose the actor for the role. He recalled having discussions years prior about a script where Denis Leary would have played him.
In response to the film's reception and Hansen's criticism, Pattinson, who plays Hansen in "Primetime," stated at the Venice Film Festival that he hoped the film would serve as a compliment to Hansen and the inspiration he has provided to many.
Page Six has reached out to representatives for both Pattinson and Oppenheim for comment.